ClearPath Succession™

On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being highest, please indicate your level of preparedness for a future exit.

1)Not prepared, 2) Slightly Prepared, 3) Neutral, 4) Prepared, 5) Very Prepared

    1. Succession Path Defined & Aligned

    We have identified our successor(s), and all family members and key stakeholders are aligned on the future succession of the business.

    2. Business Succession Plan

    My advisors and I have developed a comprehensive written succession plan with clear action steps and an execution timeline.

    3. Transition Timeline

    We have a clearly defined timeline for leadership and ownership transition with a semi-retirement or full retirement date set.

    4. Role Clarity

    We have clearly defined the future roles of family and non-family stakeholders (leadership, ownership, or no involvement) and have communicated it to them.

    5. Team of Advisors

    We have built an experienced team of professionals to advise me and my management team throughout the business succession process, which includes business, tax, legal, estate and financial advisors.

    6. Business Value

    We have determined the value of my business based on adjusted EBITDA and benchmarked it against industry standards.

    7. Value Drivers

    Our top three value drivers that generate the majority of profits have been identified and are actively managed to maximize enterprise value.

    8. Executive Compensation Structure

    We have designed and implemented an executive compensation structure to retain and incentivize key employees based on their value to the company.

    9. Employee Performance

    We have a formal employee evaluation process tied to company and individual performance, including defined formulas, benchmarking, and periodic reviews.

    10. Asset Protection

    We have implemented a comprehensive asset protection strategy, including safeguards for intellectual property and other critical assets.

    11. Tax Minimization Strategy

    My advisors and I have developed a coordinated tax strategy to minimize income, capital gains, and estate/gift taxes across business and personal assets.

    12. Income Requirements Planning

    I have clearly defined my personal after-tax income needs and developed a plan to strategically transition income away from the business.

    13. Financial Controls & KPIs

    We have established strong financial controls and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and sustain business performance.

    14. Risk Management

    My advisors and I have identified and mitigated key pre-transition risks, including corporate, employee, and liability exposures, with appropriate insurance coverage.

    15. Corporate Governance & Documentation

    We maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, corporate documents, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support continuity and decision-making.

    16. Internal Communication Effectiveness

    We have developed and implemented a written communication plan with across management and employees to improve efficiencies and processes

    17. Business Independence

    I have identified and have a plan to shift my roles and responsibilities to limit my daily involvement over the next few years

    18. Leadership Development Plan

    Our leadership development plan for next-generation management is structured, in writing with action items for the management team

    19. Ownership Transfer Strategy

    We have a fully developed ownership transfer strategy utilizing, equity transfer, loans, trusts, buy-sell agreements, etc.

    20. Financial Roadmap

    I have a personal financial roadmap that integrates with my business succession strategy to ensure alignment of personal and business goals.

    * I understand I also should consult with a tax professional, such as a CPA, regarding my taxes and tax situations